THE SKINCARE CODE #1 - Preservative pile-up meets absorption fatigue
Introduction: Layering Isn’t Always Loving
We’ve been told that layering serums and moisturisers is the ultimate way to treat multiple concerns — but what if piling on too many products is doing more harm than good?
In this first instalment of The Skincare Code, we explore how preservative pile-up and absorption fatigue can sabotage your routine — and why we believe in a more intelligent, minimalist formulation philosophy.
The Hidden Impact of Over-Layering Skincare
While it’s tempting to think “more is better,” each product you apply brings more than just active ingredients.
You're also adding:
-
Preservatives
-
Stabilisers
-
Solvents
-
Filler bases
These aren't inherently bad — they serve a purpose — but your skin doesn’t need all of them, and it still has to process each one. That means more load on your:
-
Skin barrier
-
Immune response
-
Cellular energy
The result? Increased risk of inflammation, sensitivity, and long-term barrier disruption.
Absorption Fatigue: Yes, Your Skin Can Get Overwhelmed
Your skin isn’t an infinite sponge. It has a natural limit to how much it can absorb — and when that limit is exceeded, things backfire:
-
Actives stop working efficiently
-
Products start to sit on the surface
-
Irritation and congestion increase
-
Your results plateau
The Dermalist Approach: Fewer Products, More Results
Instead of encouraging a 10-step routine, we engineer multifunctional products with:
-
Symbiotic active systems (ingredients that boost each other)
-
Clinically active concentrations
-
Minimal preservative exposure
-
Formulas that work together, not against each other
Each Dermalist product is designed to replace 5–6 conventional products — reducing chemical load while increasing visible results.
Key Benefits of This Formulation Philosophy
Lower risk of barrier stress
Less cumulative preservative exposure
Fewer steps, more simplicity
Greater absorption of skin-transforming actives
Consistent, radiant results without irritation
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About What You Add — It’s About What You Remove
True skin health isn’t about how many products you use — it’s about what those products are doing together.
At Dermalist, we believe in less interference, more intention. That’s why our formulas are built to deliver more, with less.
more, with less.
Ready to take the next step in your skincare?